Welcome to CP Probability and Statistics!


Description

This semester, you have the opportunity to learn a very different type of math. Statistics is unlike any math course you have ever had. In this course there is less number crunching but more “thinking” than you may have had in other math courses. The most important thing that you will get from this course is how to be a critical thinker and objective reader. It is my hope that after you finish this course, you will be a more conscientious consumer, a more informed citizen, and a shrewd observer. You will not be fooled by advertisement, corporate sponsored studies, or the media. You will have an informed opinion. Statistics has a way of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your brain to think in a different way than you may have in the past. Your problem solving and reasoning skills will improve. You will organize information more effectively and communicate your ideas more clearly. !

Course Requirements

Textbook, notebook paper, pencil, large 3-ring binder with dividers, homework, and a TI-83+ or TI-84 graphing calculator (if your family has financial difficulty with the calculator, you may check one out of the media center) and an extra set of AAA batteries.

Approximate Course Outline

I. Statistics Vocabulary and Sampling Design

II. Simulation and Experimental Design

III. Univariate Data Displays

IV. Descriptive Statistics

V. Bivariate Data and Scatter Plots

VI. Basic Probability Concepts and Applications

VII. Binomial Distribution and Expected Value

VIII. Normal Distribution

IX. Sampling Distributions

X. Confidence Intervals

XI. Hypothesis Testing


Please Note: All units will be heavily supplemented with teacher materials. Attendance is essential to success in the class.


Class Rules and Regulations


Specific:

1. Be in your seat and prepared to work when the bell rings.
2. Listen quietly to instructions and follow them to the best of your ability.
3. Remain in your seat unless directed otherwise.
4. Raise your hand to be recognized if you have a question or a comment.
5. Be alert and awake, with your head up.

General:

1. Respect yourself.
2. Respect others.
3. Accept personal responsibility for your actions.
4. Follow all policies and procedures in the “Wando High School Student Handbook” and “CCSD Rights and Responsibilities”.

Discipline:

Once you are inside the classroom, conduct yourself as a student should (see SPECIFIC and GENERAL above). However, if problems arise, “in-class corrections” will be made, followed by the possibility of after school detention, temporary removal of students from the class, parental/guardian contact, or other appropriate action. Further problems or serious infractions could result in office referral. Please note: All detentions will be served after or before school at the discretion of the teacher, regardless of late ins or early outs!

Academic Dishonesty

First offense: The student receives a grade of zero on the assignment and the parent is contacted.
Second offense: The student receives a grade of zero and is referred to his or her administrator. !

ID’s

ID’s are issued for security reasons. It is imperative that every student wears his or her ID to school every day. You must have your ID on in order to enter the classroom.

Agendas

Every student is given a Wando High School agenda on the first day of school and it contains much useful information. It is a great tool for students to use for recording assignments and it serves as a hall pass for students who need to go to the nurse, the attendance office, the restroom, etc. Students are to have their own agenda in their possession at all times.

Assigned Seating

Seat assignments will be made early in the course. Seat assignments for the entire class, part of the class or an individual student may be changed at any time. Any student who wishes to move, especially due to sight, hearing, or learning difficulties, should let me know immediately.

Tardy Policy

Both attendance and punctuality are important to the student’s success in class. I will follow the tardy policy the school. If you are tardy, you must receive a tardy pass from the machine before reentering the classroom.Please do not disrupt class by begging, pleading, or asking to put your things down. That could result in a discipline referral as well. It is important to note that being tardy is unexcused in most cases.

Attendance and Make-up

Due to the length of our class periods (90 minutes), students who miss a single class miss much information. Frequent absences can lead to academic problems or even denial of credit for courses. Activities, labs and the accompanying discussions that take place during the class period will be essential for understanding. Absence from class will definitely impair the students understanding of the content. Attendance is essential. The class will not always be the typical lecture, homework format of other math classes. Instead students will often participate in discussion and activities that will lead to understanding of the material. Active participation will be required for the student to be successful. However, if it is necessary for you to be absent please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. If you miss a class for any reason, you are responsible for getting the notes from a reliable student in the class or viewing them on the internet. If you know in advance that you will be absent, ask me for assignments before you are absent.

2. You have five days to make up a test. If you are absent only one day prior to a quiz or test, you are expected to take the quiz or test with the class. Any missed homework assignment will be due the day after your return. Extended absences are exceptions and will be handled on an individual basis. Work cannot be made up if an absence is unlawful.

3. Tests may be made-up by appointment only.

4. You have three days to turn in a note for your absence. If no note is given for your absence within three days, the highest numerical grade you can make on any assignment missed is a 61. If a note is turned in then full credit can be given.

Notebooks

I do not grade notebooks. As a high school upperclassman you should have the self-motivation to keep yourself organized. I recommend a 3-ring binder with sections for notes, homework and labs. I will on occasion give open-notebook quizzes or tests. No loose papers or books will be able to be used at that time. Therefore, I would suggest you stay organized for those assessments.

Homework

It is my belief that every student can learn mathematics with the combined efforts of the teacher, the student, and the parent/ guardians. Just like any musical instrument or sport or skill, MATH MUST BE PRACTICED. You will not succeed at math by watching someone else do it. Homework gives you the opportunity to practice and refine new skills in math and is therefore crucial. Group projects and data gathering will also be done throughout each quarter as an opportunity for students to work with, and learn from, peers.

Quizzes and Tests

All major tests will be announced. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and will assess student understanding on a particular concept. Don’t sweat it! If you are keeping up in class, you should be in great shape.

Office Hours

I will remain in my office (H-222) from 7:45 to 8:15 A.M. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week. Students are welcome to drop-by unannounced for help on these days. Students may also schedule time for extra help on other days.

Grading Procedures

Your grade will be comprised of homework, classwork, lab activities, projects, quizzes, and tests. Nine-week averages are based upon the following weights:

Tests 40%

Quizzes 30%

Labs/Classwork/Projects 20%

Homework 10%


Each nine-week grade counts 40% of the final course grade. A cumulative final exam accounts for the remaining 20% of the final grade. Tests will always be announced. Homework is assigned to reinforce concepts learned in class and will be assigned daily. Doing homework is absolutely necessary for success. Homework will be checked at the discretion of the teacher. Homework will be graded for correctness or completion, or both. Both unannounced and announced quizzes will be given. For all assignments, students must show work to receive credit for answers.

Grading Scale:

A 93-100

B 85-92

C 77-84

D 70-76

F 69 or below


Reminders

To receive TEXT MESSAGE REMINDERS about when assignments are due or the date of tests and quizzes, sign up for Remind101. Basically, remind101.com is a service that allows students to sign up for an automated reminder system so that I never have their number, they never have my number, but a computer will text them for me. I type in a message to remind101.com, and it sends out a reminder to every number signed up for our group. If you want a text reminder, you should:

Text “@belchercp” to (843) 751-4596


The teacher reserves the right to adjust or modify these policies at any time to best serve the needs of the students.